Klopp talks add twist to Ebnoutalib’s international choice

Younes Ebnoutalib’s international future has been thrown open after Germany manager Jurgen Klopp held talks with the Eintracht Frankfurt forward, despite the 22-year-old having previously sent strong indications that he wanted to represent Morocco.

According to Sky Sport DE, Klopp visited Eintracht Frankfurt and spoke at length with Ebnoutalib. The Germany manager is understood to have been impressed by the striker’s profile and wants to persuade him to choose the Mannschaft.

The approach comes after Ebnoutalib made a remarkable start to the Bundesliga season. Born in Frankfurt, the 22-year-old scored a hat-trick in Eintracht’s 3-3 draw with Union Berlin, only a few months after still playing in Germany’s lower divisions.

His rapid rise has also brought him back into the thinking around the Morocco national team. Ebnoutalib scored in the German Cup before producing his Bundesliga treble in front of Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi, making his international eligibility an increasingly prominent issue.

Ebnoutalib can play for either Germany or Morocco because he was born in Germany to a Moroccan father and German mother. At 1.91m, he offers considerable physical presence, as well as strength, the ability to hold the ball up and an imposing threat inside the penalty area.

Those qualities fit the traditional profile of centre-forward that Germany have often valued.

Until recently, however, the signs had pointed towards the Atlas Lions. Ebnoutalib came through Morocco’s Under-15 team and added to speculation about his preference last season by posting a picture of his football boots decorated with the Moroccan flag.

The image was widely viewed as a clear indication that he hoped to play for Morocco.

He was not selected for the 2026 World Cup, with Ouahbi instead choosing other options. Ebnoutalib was disappointed and subsequently made clear that he was not closing the door on Germany.

His latest performances have changed the situation. After his cup contribution and three-goal display against Union Berlin, the forward has become a pressing international issue for both countries.

The key question now is which sporting opportunity will appeal to Ebnoutalib most.

Germany could offer a role that appears well suited to his abilities as a powerful, target-style striker. Klopp may regard him as a genuine central attacking option, although there would be no guarantee of an immediate starting place in the national team.

Morocco’s attacking approach has been somewhat different. Ouahbi has used Ismael Saibari as a false nine, deploying a more mobile attacking structure.

Ebnoutalib would provide a different dimension for Morocco: a focal point in attack, greater aerial presence and a natural penalty-box striker.

Morocco appeared to have the emotional advantage in the race for his allegiance. Klopp’s direct involvement, though, suggests the contest for Ebnoutalib’s international future may now be properly under way.

Louis Mukoma Fargues